Former HDC worship leader dies

VICTORVILLE • The closeknit community of High Desert Church is grieving after learning that a former worship leader committed suicide in his car in the parking lot of a local school.

John New, 37, of Victorville, was found dead in his car in the parking lot of Lomitas Elementary School in the 12500 block of First Street, San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Victorville station officials said Tuesday.

New's body was found by a sheriff 's deputy at about 9:30 a.m. Saturday. Deputy Leleen Janksy noticed New had suffered a gunshot wound to the head and called for emergency personnel, sheriff 's officials said.

His death was ruled a suicide by San Bernardino County Sheriff 's-Coroner's officials.

New was once a worship leader at HDC as well as a musician, songwriter and producer, according to his MySpace site.

Church members could not be immediately reached for comment, although one staff member said it was a very big shock and that New had been a large part of the church.

In 2006 and 2007, New played keyboards for spiritual musician Lincoln Brewster, and joined Brewster on stage at one of the 2007 National Association of Music Merchants events.

HDC will be holding a special memorial service for New at 10 a.m. Friday at the church at 14545 Hook Blvd. in Victorville. For information, call 245-2415.